The Cooper Cos. said Friday that it recently laid off 34 people as part of a realignment of its U.S. sales and marketing group. The Lake Forest-based contact lens maker said the layoffs were part of its effort to integrate Ocular Science Inc., which it purchased last year.

Cooper also said its new Biofinity silicone hydrogel contact lens is on track and scheduled for a limited launch in midyear.

The announcements came after analysts at Baird mentioned reports of layoffs and Piper Jaffray & Co. questioned whether Cooper would have to reduce its forecast because profits from its new disposable contact lens might not come in as fast as expected.

Cooper shares closed Friday at $47.58, down 8 percent. The company is scheduled to report earnings June 6.

Contact the writer: Register staff writers contributed to this report.

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